Mariners Moose Tracks, 12/7/17: Shohei Ohtani, Shohei Ohtani, and Shohei Ohtani

It was Shohei Ohtani’d yesterday that Shohei Ohtani Shohei Ohtani. Shohei, if that is the case, Ohtani Ohtani Ohtani. While Shohei Ohtani Shohei Ohtani, only Shohei Ohtani if Shohei Ohtani will Shohei. All we can do is Shohei Ohtani, and Shohei Shohei Shohei. Hopefully by next Shohei Ohtani we will have a Shohei Ohtani.

Onto the daily Shohei Ohtani.

In Shohei Ohtani/Mariners News:

• Shohei Ohtani Shohei Ohtani Shohei Ohtani! Tracking data backs up the hype about the Japanese sensation, writes Mike Petriello.
• The Mariners made a Shohei Ohtani with the Twins to get them more money to Shohei Ohtani Shohei Ohtani. Read John’s article about the trade here. Unfortunately, the annoying Angels also made a trade to acquire an extra million bucks (although they gave up someone they took overslot, so take that). Get thee behind me, Angels.

David Banuelos was the Mariners’ last dyed-in-the-wool catching prospect, and this reduces the level of catching in the organization to [honking noises], but there is some good news on the horizon: the 2018 draft is especially rich with backstops, including top HS prospect Will Banfield, Georgia Tech’s Joey Bart, and power-hitting gunslinger Noah Naylor, brother of Padres prospect Josh Naylor. While pitching is always a concern for the org, I really hope they will take advantage of the glut of talent catching available this year. Meanwhile, the Mariners have an additional cool million to use either for Ohtani or for some of the international prospects still on the market.

• That is, assuming there will still be some around, and that the Royals haven’t signed them all:

• In addition to the Atlanta prospects, there are a pair of intriguing Cuban prospects who will be putting on showcases later in the week. I really like outfielder Julio Pablo Martinez; unfortunately, so do the suddenly-flush Yankees.
• The Modesto Nuts are champions on and off the field. Yesterday, they released their 2017 Community Impact Report, detailing contributions of over 300,000 to their nearby communities. The Nuts were honored with the 2017 California League Excellence in Community Service Award for their actions.
• Speaking of the Nuts, we got a peek at their Andy McKay-approved Cal League Championship rings. #OurPeopleOurProcess.

Around the League:

• If you think the FA market has been slow for MLB, it’s had a cascading effect on the MiLB market. There have been some moves, though:

• The Red Sox placed LHP Henry Owens on waivers after a disappointing Arizona Fall League season. Owens, owner of a 5.25 FIP in Triple-A Pawtucket last year, was trying out a new arm slot in the AFL, and things went...poorly. A 6-foot-7 lefty and 36th overall pick who charged into the minors getting groundballs and striking guys out, Owens saw his control disintegrate and FIP rise as he got to the upper minors, and yet the Red Sox continued to promote him. Owens feels like a Dipoto reclamation project. It’ll be interesting to see if the team takes a swipe at the 25-year-old.
• The wildfires in California are devastating. One ex-MLB player is on the front lines:

• Dallas Keuchel did not injure his foot in the Astros victory parade, as was reported; he apparently pitched through the injury in the postseason.
• More details have emerged about Mike Minor’s deal with the Rangers, including the fact that there’s a ten-team no-trade clause. The Rangers apparently intend to use him as a starter.

Kate’s pick:

Tear down all the statues of Confederate generals and replace them with this: